2011 Cupra Ramato Attems Pinot Grigio

June 29, 2012 - Norman Bentley

This is a different type of Pinot Grigio, and although different, it is excellent with its distinctive color and flavor. The 2011 Cupra Ramato Attems Pinot Grigio hails from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia area of Northeastern Italy. The wineries from Friuli have become well known for Pinot Grigio. This one though, stands out because of its coppery color and its well rounded flavor tones. The color is achieved by a lenghtened contact with the must and the skins to take on an almost orange hue, which also brings out flavors not always found in Pinot Grigio.

We had a real summer time meal the other night of salmon and zucchini grilled on the barbecue, and paired with the Attems Pinot Grigio. What a delightful combination! The nose of this wine is floral and opens into a fruit bowl of flavors. There was pineapple and strawberry swirling around with tart cherry and a hint of apricot. The finish was mellow and lingering, with the presence of the apricot at the end. The alcohol level is 12.5%

This is definetitly a summer wine, and would be great with shrimp or fish on the grill, paired with grilled vegetables or peppers, and of course, it was spot on with grilled salmon. Norm's score is 88.